Dr Roopnaraine to head resuscitated Public Service Ministry  

…says “you serve at the pleasure of the President”

The Working People’s Alliance (WPA), the political party that Dr Rupert Roopnaraine represents in the coalition A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU/AFC) Government, was not consulted on his removal from heading the Government’s largest budget Ministry to heading a Ministry within the Ministry of the Presidency.

Dr Roopnaraine confirmed this minutes before Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly was convened, but was evasive as reporters attempted to get clarification.

According to the former Education Minister, he “didn’t request,” the move – seen as a demotion by many – to the Ministry of the Presidency.

He told reporters, “You serve at the pleasure of the President.”

The Minister did indicate to reporters staking out the sitting of the National Assembly that “it’s a new challenge…Well, I must say I am looking forward to the new Ministry.”

Touching on his tenure at the Education Ministry, Dr Roopnaraine told media operatives, “I did, I believe, the best I could in the Education Ministry; we got some things achieved.”

He declined to offer a comment on speculation that the move was in relation to his declining health.

The Minister also confirmed for media operatives that the WPA was never consulted and instead pointed to a meeting with President David Granger, at which point the request was made.

The announcement of Roopnaraine’s demotion came on the same day as Dr Walter Rodney’s 37th death anniversary.

WPA executive, political activist and professor, Dr David Hinds has since indicated that the party would be writing the President expressing its concerns about the shake-up and to request a meeting.

According to Dr Hinds, one of the party’s concerns relate to the lack of consultations.

Meanwhile, Speaker of the National Assembly, Dr Barton Scotland at the beginning of the sitting of the Assembly formally indicated to the members of the House, the creation of the Public Service Ministry to be headed by Dr Roopnaraine.

Dr Scotland read out the instrument issued under the Ministry of the Presidency designating Dr Roopnaraine as Public Service Minister effective June 14, 2017 and that he shall remain a member of the Cabinet Council of Ministers.

Junior Education Minister Nicolette Henry, who has since been elevated to acting Education Minister this past week, declined to speak with media operatives when approached.

She instead scuttled past reporters, gesturing that a comment would be made at another time.

The announcement of the Cabinet reshuffle was announced this past week by Minister of State, Joseph Harmon who stated that President Granger had full confidence in the ability of his Ministers and in Roopnaraine.

At the time of the announcement, he said that Roopnaraine’s transfer followed a discussion the Education Minister had with Granger.

“The President further briefed Cabinet that a Department under the Ministry of the Presidency will be created to oversee innovation and reform in the education sector. This Department will be under the President. In the meantime, Minister within the Ministry of Education, Nicolette Henry will continue to perform the functions of the office of the Minister until further notice,” he said.